Trump’s harsh criticism of Meloni called the Italian Prime Minister lacking in courage
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, criticized Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, on Tuesday, April 14th, saying that she lacks the courage to join the war against Iran.
In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Trump stated, ‘I was shocked about her. I thought she was brave, but I was wrong.’
This interview was published a day after Meloni described Trump’s criticisms of Pope Leo XIV as unacceptable, criticisms that arose after repeated calls from the world’s Catholic leader to end the war in the Middle East.
The U.S. President further stated that it is actually Meloni who is unacceptable and claimed that she is indifferent to the possibility of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
Trump also added that the Italian Prime Minister is unwilling to involve her country in a war that has been initiated by U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, even though a significant portion of Italy’s energy needs are supplied from this region.
Giorgia Meloni, who has been in power in Italy since October 2022, is considered one of Trump’s close allies in Europe and has often tried to mediate between differing views of Washington and Europe.
However, after these statements were published, there were widespread reactions in the Italian political scene. According to the French news agency, both Meloni’s allies and opponents supported her.
Antonio Tajani, the Italian Foreign Minister, wrote in a message on the social network X, ‘We remain staunch supporters of Western unity and steadfast allies of the United States, but this unity is built on mutual loyalty, respect, and honesty.’
He added, ‘Until now, Trump considered Meloni a courageous individual and he was not wrong, but she is a woman who never backs down from expressing what she thinks.’
Tajani also commented on Meloni’s stance regarding the Pope, saying, ‘Regarding Pope Leo XIV, she said exactly what all of us Italians think. The Prime Minister and the government solely defend Italy’s interests and will always do so.’
Meanwhile, Elly Schlein, the leader of Italy’s Democratic Party, also condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them a serious disrespect. She said in Parliament, ‘Our constitution is clear: Italy rejects war.’